IMPORTANT DAYS

Teachers’ Day 2024 celebrated on September 5.

• Teachers’ Day in India is celebrated annually on September 5.

• The day honors Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, an eminent educationist and former President of India.

• Dr. Radhakrishnan, born on September 5, 1888, was the first Vice President (1952-1962) and the second President of India (1962-1967).

• President Draupadi Murmu presented the National Teachers Awards 2024 on this date.

• The award ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

• The National Awards to Teachers recognize educators for their exceptional impact on students’ lives.

• Each award includes a merit certificate, a silver medallion, and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.

• A total of 82 teachers were honored with these awards in 2024.

• The awards aim to acknowledge and reward the dedication and hard work of outstanding teachers.

STATE NEWS

Himachal Vidhan Sabha introduced Zero Hour in the monsoon session.

• Himachal Vidhan Sabha has introduced Zero Hour in the monsoon session.

• Zero Hour is designated for discussing urgent public issues.

• This period allows for immediate discussion of important matters.

• The session starts right after the conclusion of Question Hour.

• Zero Hour commences at 12 noon in the parliamentary schedule.

• Introduced in 1962, Zero Hour is a unique feature of Indian parliamentary procedures.

• The provision helps bypass typical time constraints imposed by other rules.

• It ensures that critical issues receive attention without delays.

• The aim is to address pressing matters promptly and efficiently.

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurates Vishwashanti Buddha Vihar in Maharashtra's Latur

• President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Vishwashanti Buddha Vihara in Udgir, Latur district, Maharashtra.

• A statue of Gautama Buddha was installed inside the vihara by the President.

• The Vihara in Udgir replicates the Buddha Vihara in Kalburgi, Karnataka.

• The site covers 15 hectares and includes a meditation centre.

• The meditation centre has a capacity for 1,200 followers.

• The main entrance is modeled after the Sanchi Stupa in Bihar.

• The entrance is designed to be an impressive gateway to the vihara.

• The new vihara features both spiritual and architectural significance.

SPORTS

Harvinder Singh Wins Gold in Men's Archery at Paris Paralympics 2024

• Harvinder Singh made history as the first Indian archer to win a Paralympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games.

• He secured gold in the men's individual recurve open final.

• Dharambir achieved an Asian record in the men's club throw F51 with a 34.92m throw, earning gold on September 4.

• Pranav Soorma claimed silver in the same event with a throw of 34.59m.

• Sachin Sarjerao Khilari won silver in the men's shot put F46, setting an Asian record with a 16.32m throw.

• Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu won silver and bronze, respectively, in the men's high jump T63 category.

• Ajeet Singh earned silver in the men's javelin throw F46 at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

• Sundar Singh Gurjar won the bronze medal in the men's javelin throw F46.

London’s iconic Lord’s Stadium will host the ICC World Test Championship final

• For the first time, Lord’s will host the ICC World Test Championship final.

• The third edition of the final is scheduled to take place at London’s iconic Lord’s Stadium from June 11 to 15, 2025, with June 16 as a reserve day.

• The previous finals were held at Southampton (2021) and The Oval (2023), with New Zealand and Australia winning respectively.

• The final will feature the top two teams from the current World Test Championship cycle.

• Currently, India leads the standings, followed by reigning champions Australia.

• India has competed in both previous WTC finals but has yet to win the trophy.

• New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Bangladesh are still in contention for a spot in the final.

• Lord's will be the new venue for the prestigious match, marking its debut as the host.

• The final will be a one-off Test match, making it a significant event in cricket’s calendar.

BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE

Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan Lead in GSDP Growth

• Telangana’s economy grew by 9.2% in FY24, reaching a real GSDP of ₹7.9 lakh crore, outpacing the national GDP growth of 8.2%.

• Tamil Nadu's real GDP reached ₹15.7 lakh crore with an 8.2% growth in FY24.

• Rajasthan experienced an 8% growth in its economy in FY24.

• The services sector is the primary driver of economic growth in all major states.

• Tamil Nadu's services sector grew by 9% in FY24.

• Telangana's services sector expanded by 11% in FY24.

• Maharashtra remains the largest economy in India, with a real GDP of ₹24.1 lakh crore.

• Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka rank fourth and fifth in terms of economic size among Indian states.

NATIONAL NEWS

First International Solar Festival Held in Delhi, Addressed Virtually by PM Modi

• The first International Solar Festival took place in Delhi on September 5-6, with PM Narendra Modi addressing the event virtually.

• PM Modi highlighted that India's solar power capacity has expanded 32-fold over the past decade and aims for 500 gigawatts of non-fossil energy by 2030.

• During the festival, PM Modi noted India’s significant strides in green energy and its achievement of Paris Agreement goals in renewable energy as a G-20 country.

• The festival aims to showcase the impact of solar energy and its potential for creating global opportunities, advancing universal energy access, and supporting Sustainable Development Goals.

• Founded in 2015, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) has rapidly expanded to 100 member countries, symbolizing its significant role in global solar energy initiatives.

• The ISA is also anticipating 19 additional countries to ratify its Framework Agreement for full membership, reflecting its growing influence.

• The ISA focuses on enhancing global energy access and security while advocating for solar energy as a key component of a carbon-neutral future.

• This festival marks a key moment in celebrating solar energy’s transformative power and its contribution to sustainable development.

• The International Solar Alliance works with governments worldwide to promote solar energy as a crucial step toward a sustainable energy transition.